Happy Monday, Peeps! Sorry I’m late, today with my Chai. and Chat, but I have just had one of those weekends! But, I’m here now. Better late than never!
Got your drink?
- If we were having chai, I’d tell you that work went by in a blur. The second school week flew by, and there was so much going on, that I didn’t have a moment to catch my breath. We had parents’ evenings, on top of other meetings, and it just felt like a whirlwind!
- If we were having chai, I’d tell you there were a few hairy moments, with awkward conversations needing to be had, but as we have to, we got through it!
- If we were having chai, I’d excitedly share with you that we had our OFSTED report results officially, and we have been graded as a GOOD school! This was what we were aiming for, to celebrate had a meal out together on Friday night which was wonderful. So that means, unless anything suddenly changes, we are free to breathe and enjoy our teaching for at least 4 years. It’s a shame, though, isn’t it, that this threat of inspecting, even for a school that knows it is doing well, can cause so much stress? And it makes teachers lose their enjoyment. of the job they want to do.
- If we were having chai, I’d mention that the garden is looking beautifully autumnal, right now, as the golds begin to show themselves to us…
- If we were having chai, I’d also say that I thought cricket was done for the year, but on Saturday Lil Man was called up to ask if he fancied playing in an indoor cricket match for the club. My goodness indoor cricket is a whole other beast! I was expecting to have to give up my whole Sunday, but it was a quick match that lasted 45 minutes. The rules were totally different, with regards to scoring, so I was lost, but they won!
- If we were having chai, I’d have to mention Sonu Singh. Now I am pretty sure he is not allowed buttered crumpets, but it didn’t stop him sitting there and staring at my breakfast the other morning… cheeky little so and so!
This week I still have meetings galore, including a school improvement officer who comes regularly, to see that we are all doing as we should be, whilst providing support, as well as a meeting in a totally different town, at one of our sister schools, to talk about the Early Years. We have a balance bike workshop for the children, as well as celebrating Children in Need on Friday! (Oh, and it will be our 21st wedding anniversary, too.) And I have my first check-up appointment about how the HRT is going, too!
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But I Smile Anyway... 
Nov 17, 2022 @ 21:17:40
Well done on such a great Ofsted result and such a relief to have it over and done with I imagine. Indoor cricket is mad isn’t it. I remember the first time I went, I couldn’t believe how fast the run rate went up. All the parents were crammed into a tiny little alcove behind a net. Now your son has been part of the winning team he will probably be needed every week… Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, I hope you manage to celebrate. Your doctor sounds better than mine, I haven’t been invited for any sort of check up 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend. CJ xx
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Nov 17, 2022 @ 22:02:16
Thank you on all accounts, CJ!
My Dr is pretty okay, in that respect, but equally I need to lead her to what I’m hoping for!
Have a good rest of the week 🥰
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Nov 16, 2022 @ 02:30:57
Hooray that OFSTED visited and you passed. I know how huge that is. Our NAEYC will be visiting us next year, so we’re documenting and preparing. Like you, we’re a good school, and this makes good teachers feel stressed. That’s wrong. Your garden and yard are beautiful!
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Nov 16, 2022 @ 06:06:40
Thanks Jennie.
It does stress us out, and until these visors are designed better, to make schools feel supported, rather than the threat of attack, almost, I think we will always have that dread…
I love the autumn colours 🥰
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Nov 17, 2022 @ 01:54:03
You are so right! It is a nightmare umbrella, even for the best of schools. Our biggie is next year, and we are already preparing for it…🙄
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Nov 17, 2022 @ 06:02:12
You will be amazing, Jennie! 🤗
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Nov 18, 2022 @ 00:36:25
Fingers crossed…and thank you. 🙂
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 18:08:46
I’m intrigued; do you think the Ofsted inspections are a necessary evil or just an evil? And if the latter, how do failing schools get spotted and sorted out? Nothing works perfectly, of course !!
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 18:12:16
They are evil as they are right now, or perceived to be, but if they were more supportive schools wouldn’t dread them as much.
Thing is they have a framework, however there are discrepancies to how some different inspectors work, plus you have some that aren’t versed in the areas they inspect, which really doesn’t help!
So a bad experience can colour how you feel for all future ones xx
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Nov 18, 2022 @ 19:41:26
Yes, i get that; there’s nothing more frustrating than being appraised by someone who doesn’t understand your work. Now that takes me back to my days appraising young lawyers
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Nov 18, 2022 @ 19:57:29
But… We were so lucky with ours. Understanding, and human!
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 08:00:23
That look on Sonu Singh face, crumpet envy! I don’t think you can buy crumpets in Portugal now I have crumpet envy too! Back in UK soon to catch up on eating all sorts of UK and Asian treats!
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 06:43:56
The garden looks beautiful indeed. I also get the feeling that time is literally passing by in the blink of an eye. Sonu Singh is looking adorable. Who can say no to that face! Wishing you a very happy anniversary in advance 😁
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 06:56:23
Thank you! 🤗
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 02:39:22
Congratulations of the grading. Well done. Have a great week.
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 06:10:15
Thank you Sajde. 💛
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Nov 15, 2022 @ 09:02:36
You’re welcome
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 20:16:23
You are definitely a Cricket Mom, Sis! 🙂 I never had read about someone beeing so excited about cricket, without playing itself. Lol Congratulations to the honor for your school. Now you have the right to the next increase. This photo with Sonu reminds me somehow on the Sphinxes in Egypt. :-)) Best wishes for this week, Sis! xx Michael
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 20:17:24
Oh I never said I was excited about it lol! But I’m proud of my boy 🤗🤗
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 19:19:17
Have a nice week with the anniversary coming up, sis.
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 19:21:41
Thank you Sis 🤗
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 19:24:11
💖
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 18:56:17
Ha! Our male cat, Claudius, gave my midday meal the evil eye today. However, I am sure he does not care for hummus and fresh veggies, so I knew I was safe. Happy Anniversary in advance. Good luck with the HRT appointment.
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Nov 14, 2022 @ 18:57:51
I am sure Sonu Singh likes butter and sugar!
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